A CNN panel discussion on South Korea's recent, albeit short-lived, martial law declaration quickly turned into a conversation about former President Donald Trump and the January 6th Capitol riots. Punchbowl News co-founder John Bresnahan initiated the comparison, noting the unsettling visual parallels between soldiers attempting to enter the South Korean National Assembly and the events of January 6th.
Bresnahan expressed concern over what he perceived as Trump's encouragement of force to achieve political ends, citing January 6th as a prime example. He also mentioned Trump's potential pardons of those involved in the January 6th events, further fueling anxieties surrounding Trump's return to the presidency. The situation in South Korea, Bresnahan argued, amplified these fears, particularly given the country's status as a close U.S. ally and a well-established democracy.
The sentiment was echoed by other panelists. CNN's MJ Lee, originally from South Korea, stressed the importance of Americans paying attention to these events, especially in light of Trump's impending presidency and his past rhetoric regarding military intervention against his political opponents.
CNN’s Phil Mattingly added to the discussion, highlighting Trump's seemingly emboldened stance following the recent election results and his congressional nominees' divergence from traditional norms. He emphasized that Trump's approach to both domestic and international affairs, including his strategy towards South Korea, deviates significantly from established U.S. practices. Mattingly noted that while this was part of Trump's platform and contributed to his election, the current climate presents a starkly different context compared to 2017.
The martial law declaration by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, which was prompted by accusations of anti-state activities and support for North Korea against the opposition party, was ultimately lifted after being unanimously rejected by lawmakers. Under South Korean law, such a declaration must be rescinded if parliament opposes it with a majority vote.
